say to me!"

Despite her calm dignity and serene manner, Valentine's heart
beat high. She loved the gallant young heir--his honest, kindly
nature had a great charm for her. She saw that the handsome face
bending over the flowers was agitated and pale. Miss Charteris
looked down at the lilies in her hand. He came nearer to her,
and looked anxiously at her beautiful face.

"I am not eloquent," said Ronald--"I have no great gift of
speech; but, Miss Charteris, I should like to find some words
that would reach your heart and dwell there."

He wanted to tell her of Dora, to describe her sweet face with
its dimples and blushes, her graceful manner, her timid,
sensitive disposition. He wanted to make her love Dora, to help
him to soften his mother's prejudices and his father's anger; no
wonder his lips quivered and his voice faltered.

"For some days past I have been longing to speak to you,"
continued Ronald; "now my courage almost fails me. Miss
Charteris, say something that will give me confidence." She
looked up at him, and any other man would have read the love in
her face.

"The simplest words you can use will always interest me," she
said, gently.

His face cleared, and he began: "You are kind and generous--"